Developmental Editing

for Novels

The Big Picture

  • strengthening of such large-scale storytelling elements as structure, pacing, characterization, voice, and point of view (critique or full developmental edit)

You have a great story—but are you still wondering if your characters come alive, if your plot and pacing make sense, and if your themes shine through without beating your reader over the head? With my love of literature and logic, I’ll help you review your work effectively so that your creativity glows.

Quotes for DEs on novels begin at $20.00 US/ $25.00 CAD per thousand words. Please contact me for a quote.

Stylistic Copy Editing

for Novels

The Finer Details

  • editing of grammar, punctuation, and elements of style to strengthen clarity and effectiveness of communication

Stumped by semi-colons and stymied by misplaced modifiers? Place your work in my grammar geek hands, and with my passion for language I’ll help you correct, clarify, and polish your prose so you’ll be proud to put your name to it.

Please contact me for a quote.

Proofreading

for Novels

The Final Touch

  • a last pass over an already copy edited manuscript to check for any remaining errors in spelling, punctuation, and other small-scale issues

Already had your writing edited and just need a final eagle eye check? I bring my penchant for precision to bear on your work to ensure accuracy and consistency as a final step before publication.

Please contact me for a quote.

Picture Book Packages

Oh, the delight of snuggling with someone you love to plunge into a picture book! Short as it is, the PB is one of the most difficult forms to write in because every word has to count while also leaving room for the illustrator to interpret and expand upon the text.

Writing in verse is especially challenging because it requires inevitable yet non-forced end rhymes plus a solid grasp and execution of meter. (But don’t worry—writing and editing verse are my specialties!)

Do you long to share stories with children—stories that tickle the funny bone, soothe the soul, and stretch the imagination? I would love to help you polish your project so that it can enchant as many children as possible. I offer several picture book packages to meet your needs. (Please note that package fees are non-refundable and that I must receive all material for all editing levels of the package within six months of our contract date.)

Developmental Edit:

  • Analysis of all relevant “big picture” issues, such as plot, voice, characterization, themes, and language, via in-text comments, suggested revisions, and a full report.
  • Up to 500 words: $200 US/ $250 CAD
  • 500–750 words: $300 US/ $375 CAD
  • 750–1000 words: $400 US/ $500 CAD
  • Over 1000 words: Chances are you need to slim down your story! Most traditionally published fiction PBs are under 600 words, though non-fiction PBs can run longer, and both types can include some additional text as back matter (if your story includes back matter to be edited, it must be included in the word count of your project). If your PB is unusually long (perhaps because you are choosing to self-publish for a niche market), please contact me for a quote.

Critique:

  • Analysis of all relevant “big picture” issues, such as plot, voice, characterization, themes, and language as a short report; no in-text comments or examples.
  • Up to 500 words: $100 US/ $125 CAD
  • 500–750 words: $150 US/ $190 CAD
  • 750–1000 words: $200 US/ $250 CAD

Copy Edit:

Copyedit in Word: If you are certain you have already polished your story to perfection and want only a final look-over for any errors you might have missed (grammar, punctuation, spelling, typos, inconsistencies); does not include any developmental or stylistic details.

  • Up to 500 words: $40 US/ $50 CAD
  • 500–750 words: $60 US/ $75 CAD
  • 750–1000 words: $80 US/ $100 CAD
  • Over 1000 words: please see my comment above!

Developmental Edit + Follow-Up Commentary Critique:

  • Includes full DE as described above plus, after you have revised your text, a follow-up commentary critique consisting of just in-text comments and more suggested edits as needed (no report).
  • Please note that if your story has changed or lengthened substantially so that it is effectively a new story, this package does not apply; you would need a new DE.
  • Up to 500 words: $300 US/ $375 CAD
  • 500–750 words: $450 US/ $575 CAD
  • 750–1000 words: $600 US/ $750 CAD

Additional Follow-up Commentary Critiques (after DE and before Copy Edit):

  • Up to 500 words: $75 US/ $100 CAD
  • 500–750 words: $115 US/ $150 CAD
  • 750–1000 words: $150 US/ $200 CAD

Developmental Edit + Follow-Up Copy Edit Only:

  • If you have revised your text after the DE and are certain you want to go straight to a final proof edit.
  • Please combine the prices of the DE and the PE for your length of manuscript.

The Whole Shebang: Developmental Edit + Follow-Up Commentary Critique + Copy Edit:

  • Includes full DE described above plus a follow-up commentary critique (no report) plus, once you are happy with your final version of your text, a proof edit to catch any lingering errors.
  • Please note that if your story has changed or lengthened substantially so that it is effectively a new story, this package does not apply; you would need a new DE.
  • Up to 500 words: $325 US/ $415 CAD
  • 500–750 words: $500 US/ $625 CAD
  • 750–1000 words: $650 US/ $825 CAD

Contact me to discuss your editing needs.

Novels